Designation: D 402 – 97 American Association State

Highway and Transportation Officials Standard

AASHTO No.: T78

27/74 (88)

Standard Test Method for

Distillation of Cut-Back Asphaltic (Bituminous) Products1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 402; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense. This method was adopted as a joint ASTM-IP
standard in 1961.

1. Scope distillation, and also the distillate, may be tested as required.

1.1 This test method covers a distillation test for cut-back
asphaltic (bituminous) products.
1.2 The values given in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 86 Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products2
D 370 Test Method for Dehydration of Oil-Type Preserva-
tives3
E 1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers4
E 133 Specification for Distillation Equipment5
2.2 IP Standards:
IP 123/ASTM D 86, Distillation of Petroleum Products
Thermometers as specified in IP Standards
Crow Receiver as specified in British Standards 658:1962
C.O.3—Standard Methods for Testing Tar and its Products
(Published by the U.K. Standardization of Tar Products
Tests Committee)
3. Summary of Method
3.1 Two hundred millilitres of the sample are distilled in a
500-mL flask at a controlled rate to a temperature in the liquid
of 360°C (680°F) and the volumes of distillate obtained at
specified temperatures are measured. The residue from the
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-4 on Road
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.46on
Durability Tests.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1997. Published February 1998. Originally
published as D 402 – 34 T. Last previous edition D 402 – 94.
In the IP, this method is under the jurisdiction of the Standardization Committee.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.09.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03.
5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This procedure measures the amount of the more vola-
tile constituents in cut-back asphaltic products. The properties
of the residue after distillation are not necessarily characteristic
of the bitumen used in the original mixture nor of the residue
which may be left at any particular time after application of the
cut-back asphaltic product. The presence of silicone in the
cut-back may affect the distillation residue by retarding the loss
of volatile material after the residue has been poured into the
residue container.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Distillation Flask, 500-mL side-arm, having the dimen-
sions shown in Fig. 1.
5.2 Condenser, standard glass-jacketed, of nominal jacket
length from 200 to 300 mm and overall tube length of 450 6
10 mm (see Fig. 3).
5.3 Adapter, heavy-wall (1-mm) glass, with reinforced top,
having an angle of approximately 105°. The inside diameter at
the large end shall be approximately 18 mm, and at the small
end, not less than 5 mm. The lower surface of the adapter shall
be on a smooth descending curve from the larger end to the
smaller. The inside line of the outlet end shall be vertical, and
the outlet shall be cut or ground (not fire-polished) at an angle
of 45 6 5° to the inside line.
5.4 Shield, steel, lined with 3-mm fire proof insulation and
fitted with transparent mica windows, of the form and dimen-
sions shown in Fig. 2, used to protect the flask from air currents
and to reduce radiation. The cover (top) shall be made in two
parts of 6.4-mm (1⁄4-in.) fire proof insulation.
5.5 Shield and Flask Support—Two 15-cm2 sheets of 16-
mesh Chromel wire gauze on a tripod or ring.
5.6 Heat Source—
5.6.1 Adjustable Tirrill-type gas burner or equivalent.
5.6.2 An electric heater equipped with a transformer ca-
pable of controlling from 0 to 750 W. The shield and support
shall be a refractory with an opening of 31⁄8in. (79 mm), with
the upper surface beleveled to 33⁄8 in. (86 mm) to accommodate

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 402

FIG. 1 Distillation Flask

FIG. 2 Shield

the specified 500-mL flask. When the flask is placed on the
refractory, there should be a distance of approximately 1⁄8 in. (3
mm) between the bottom of the flask and the heating elements.
5.7 Receiver—A standard 100-mL graduated cylinder con-
forming to dimensions of Fig. 4 of Specification E 133, or
a 100-mL crow receiver as shown in Fig. 4 of this test method.
NOTE 1—Receivers of smaller capacity having 0.1-mL divisions may
be used when low volumes of total distillate are expected and the added
accuracy required.
5.8 Residue Container—An 8-oz seamless metal container
with slip on cover of 75 6 5 mm in diameter, and 55 6 5 mm
in height.
5.9 Thermometer— ASTM Thermometers 8C (8F) con-
forming to Specification E 1, or IP Thermometer 6C conform-
ing to IP Specifications for Standard Thermometers.
6. Sampling
6.1 Stir the sample thoroughly, warming if necessary, to
ensure homogeneity before removal of a portion for analysis.
6.2 If sufficient water is present to cause foaming or
bumping, dehydrate a sample of not less than 250 mL by
heating in a distillation flask sufficiently large to prevent
foaming over into the side arm. When foaming has ceased, stop
the distillation. If any light oil has distilled over, separate and

2
 D 402
FIG. 3 Distillation Apparatus
All dimensions are in millimetres
FIG. 4 Crow Receivers of Capacity 25, 50, and 100 mL
pour this back into the flask when the contents have cooled just
sufficiently to prevent loss of volatile oil. Mix the contents of
the flask thoroughly before removal for analysis. An alternative
procedure is described in Test Method D 370.
7. Preparation of Apparatus
7.1 Calculate the weight of 200 mL of the sample from the
specific gravity of the material at 15.6/15.6°C (60/60°F).
Weigh this amount 6 0.5 g into the 500-mL flask.
7.2 Place the flask in the shield supported by two sheets of
gauze on a tripod or ring. Connect the condenser tube to the
tubulature of the flask with a tight cork joint. Clamp the
condenser so that the axis of the bulb of the flask through the
center of its neck is vertical. Adjust the adapter over the end of
the condenser tube so that the distance from the neck of the
flask to the outlet of the adapter is 650 6 50 mm (see Fig. 3).
7.3 Insert the thermometer through a tightly fitting cork in
the neck of the flask so that the bulb of the thermometer rests
on the bottom of the flask. Raise the thermometer 6.4 mm (1⁄4
in.) from the bottom of the flask using the scale divisions on the
3
thermometer to estimate the 6.4-mm (1⁄4-in.) distance above the
top of the cork.
7.4 Protect the burner by a suitable shield or chimney. Place
the receiver so that the adapter extends at least 25 mm but not
below the 100-mL mark. Cover the graduate closely with a
piece of blotting paper, or similar material, suitably weighted,
which has been cut to fit the adapter snugly.
7.5 The flask, condenser tube, adapter, and receiver shall be
clean and dry before starting the distillation. Place the 8-oz
residue container on its cover in an area free from drafts.
7.6 Pass cold water through the condenser jacket. Use warm
water if necessary to prevent formation of solid condensate in
the condenser tube.
8. Procedure
8.1 Correct the temperatures to be observed in the distilla-
tion if the elevation of the laboratory at which the distillation
is made deviates (150 m) 500 ft or more from sea level.
Corrected temperatures for the effect of altitude are shown in
Table 1 and Table 2. If the prevailing barometric pressure in
millimetres of mercury is known, correct the temperature to be
observed with the corrections shown in Table 3. Do not correct
for the emergent stem of the thermometer.
NOTE 2—Table 3 covers a wide range of temperatures from 160 to
360°C and is to be preferred for world-wide specifications other than
ASTM/IP specifications.
8.2 Apply heat so that the first drop of distillate falls from
the end of the flask side-arm in 5 to 15 min. Conduct the
distillation so as to maintain the following drop rates, the drop
count to be made at the tip of the adapter:
50 to 70 drops per minute to 260°C (500°F)
20 to 70 drops per minute between 260 and 316°C (500 and 600°F)
Not over 10 min to complete distillation from 316 to 360°C (600 to 680°F)
8.2.1 Record the volumes of distillate to the nearest 0.5 mL
in the receiver at the corrected temperatures. If the volume of
distillate recovered is critical, use receivers graduated in
 D 402
TABLE 1 Corrected Fractionation Temperatures for Various (600°F). In this case it becomes impractical to maintain the above
Altitudes, °C distillation rates. For such cases the intent of the method shall be met if the
Elevation above rate of rise of temperature exceeds 5°C (9°F)/min.
Fractionation Temperatures for Various Altitudes, °C
Sea Level, m (ft)
8.3 When the temperature reaches the corrected temperature
þ305 (þ1000) 192 227 363 318 362
of 360°C (680°F), cut off the heat and remove the flask and
þ152 (þ500) 191 226 261 317 361
0 (0) 190 225 260 316 360 thermometer. With the flask in a pouring position, remove the
152 (500) 189 224 259 315 359 thermometer and immediately pour the contents into the
305 (1000) 189 224 258 314 358
457 (1500) 188 223 258 313 357
residue container. The total time from cutting off the heat to
610 (2000) 187 222 257 312 356 starting the pour shall not exceed 15 s. When pouring, the
762 (2500) 186 221 256 312 355 side-arm should be substantially horizontal to prevent conden-
914 (3000) 186 220 255 311 354
1067 (3500) 185 220 254 310 353
sate in the side-arm from being returned to the residue.
1219 (4000) 184 219 254 309 352 NOTE 4—The formation of skin on the surface of a residue during
1372 (4500) 184 218 253 308 351
1524 (5000) 183 218 252 307 350
cooling entraps vapors which will condense and cause higher penetration
1676 (5500) 182 217 251 306 349 results when they are stirred back into the sample. If skin begins to form
1829 (6000) 182 216 250 305 349 during cooling, it should be gently pushed aside. This can be done with a
1981 (6500) 181 215 250 305 348 spatula with a minimum of disturbance to the sample.
2134 (7000) 180 215 249 304 347
2286 (7500) 180 214 248 303 346 8.4 Allow the condenser and any distillates trapped in the
2438 (8000) 179 213 248 302 345 condenser neck to drain into the receiver and record the total
volume of distillate collected as total distillate to 360°C
(680°F).
TABLE 2 Corrected Fractionation Temperatures for Various
8.5 When the residue has cooled until fuming just ceases,
Altitudes, °F
stir thoroughly and pour into the receptacles for testing for
Elevation above
sea level, m (ft)
Fractionation Temperatures for Various Altitudes, °F properties such as penetration, viscosity, or softening point.
Proceed as required by the appropriate ASTM or IP method
þ305 (þ1000) 377 440 503 604 684
þ152 (þ500) 375 438 502 602 682 from the point that follows the pouring stage.
0 (0) 374 437 500 600 680 8.6 If desired, the distillate, or the combined distillates from
152 (500) 373 436 498 598 678 several tests, may be submitted to a further distillation, in
305 (1000) 371 434 497 597 676
457 (1500) 370 433 495 595 675 accordance with Test Method D 86 – IP 123, or, when the
610 (2000) 369 431 494 593 673 distillate is of coal-tar origin, Method C.O.3.
762 (2500) 367 430 492 592 671
914 (3000)
1067 (3500)
366
365
429
427
491
490
590
588
669
667
9. Calculation and Report
1219 (4000) 364 426 488 587 666 9.1 Asphaltic Residue—Calculate the percent residue to the
1372 (4500) 363 425 487 585 665
1524 (5000) 361 423 485 584 663 nearest 0.1 as follows:
1676 (5500) 360 422 484 582 661 R5 @
~200 2 TD!/200# 3 100 (1)
1829 (6000) 359 421 483 581 660
1981 (6500) 358 420 481 580 658
2134 (7000) 357 418 480 578 656
where:
2286 (7500) 356 417 479 577 655 R 5 residue content, in volume percent, and
2438 (8000) 355 416 478 575 653 TD 5 total distillate recovered to 360°C (680°F), mL.
9.1.1 Report as the residue from distillation to 360 (680°F),
percent volume by difference.
TABLE 3 Factors for Calculating Temperature Corrections 9.2 Total Distillate— Calculate the percent total distillate to
CorrectionA per 10 mm the nearest 0.1 as follows:
Nominal Temperatures,
Difference in Pressure,
°C (°F)
°C (°F) TD % 5 ~TD/200! 3 100 (2)
160 (320) 0.514 (0.925) 9.2.1 Report as the total distillate to 360°C (680°F), volume
175 (347) 0.531 (0.957)
190 (374) 0.549 (0.989)
percent.
225 (437) 0.591 (1.063) 9.3 Distillate Fractions:
250 (482) 0.620 (1.116) 9.3.1 Determine the percentages by volume of the original
260 (500) 0.632 (1.138)
275 (527) 0.650 (1.170)
sample by dividing the observed volume (in millilitres) of the
300 (572) 0.680 (1.223) fraction by 2. Report to the nearest 0.1 as volume percent as
315.6 (600) 0.698 (1.257) follows:
325 (617) 0.709 (1.277)
360 (680) 0.751 (1.351)
Up to 190°C (374°F)
A
To be subtracted in case the barometric pressure is below 760 mm Hg; to be
Up to 225°C (437°F)
added in case barometric pressure is above 760 mm Hg. Up to 260°C (500°F)
Up to 316°C (600°F)
0.1-mL divisions and immersed in a transparent bath main- 9.3.2 Determine the percentages by volume of total distil-
tained at 15.6 6 3°C (60 6 5°F). late by dividing the observed volume in millilitres of the
NOTE 3—Some cut-back asphaltic products yield either no distillate or fraction by the millilitres recovered to 360°C (680°F) and
very little distillate over portions of the temperature range to 316°C multiply by 100. Report to the nearest 0.1 as the distillate,

4
 D 402
volume percent of total distillate to 360°C (680°F) as follows:
Up to 190°C (374°F)
Up to 225°C (437°F)
Up to 260°C (500°F)
Up to 316°C (600°F)
9.4 Where penetration, viscosity, or other tests have been
carried out, report with reference to this test method as well as
to any other method used. Example—Penetration (ASTM D5
or IP 49) of residue from ASTM D402/IP 27.
10. Precision and Bias
10.1 The following criteria shall be used for judging the
acceptability of results (95 % probability):
10.1.1 Repeatability— Duplicate values by the same opera-
tor shall not be considered suspect unless the determined
percentages differ by more than 1.0 volume % of the original
sample.
10.1.2 Reproducibility— The values reported by each of
two laboratories, shall not be considered suspect unless the
reported percentages differ by more than the following:
Distillation Fractions, volume percent of the original sample:
Up to 175°C (347°F) 3.5
Above 175°C (347°F) 2.0
Residue, Volume percentage by difference from the original sample 2.0
10.2 Criteria for judging variability of test results on the
distillation residue have not been determined.
11. Keywords
11.1 cut-back asphalt; distillate; residue

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